Position Description

EnCompass LLC is implementing the four-year United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Upoma Activity in Bangladesh, providing a range of analytical and advisory services in support of USAID’s design, performance monitoring, evaluation, and operational learning and adapting efforts.

Under Upoma, EnCompass has been tasked by USAID/Bangladesh to undertake an assessment of Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) funded early recovery risk reduction and resilience (ER4) and Mission funded disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities in Bangladesh, with recommendations for future program development for USAID Bangladesh HAO ER4 and DRR strategy.

The assessment will utilize a qualitative method approach including focus group discussions (FGDs) with community leaders and female and male beneficiaries in Chittagong Hills Tracts and Cox’s Bazar.

Upoma requires the services of two community members from Chittagong and Cox's Bazaar to assist in co-facilitating and interpreting during Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with beneficiaries of USAID/Bangladesh ER4/DRR interventions. The ideal candidates will have deep community ties, excellent communication skills, and the ability to interpret local dialects/languages to Bangla and English for the assessment team. This role is crucial in ensuring that the voices of all community members are heard and accurately represented in the assessment process.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Essential functions:

• Assist the assessment team to co-facilitate FGDs.
• Provide accurate and culturally sensitive interpretation services from local dialects/languages to Bangla and English during FGDs and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs).
• Help the assessment team understand cultural nuances and community dynamics that may influence the discussions or the interpretation of the data.
• Contribute to the preparation of FGDs by advising on cultural considerations, helping to develop questions that are culturally relevant, and identifying suitable participants.
• Assist the assessment team to establish a rapport with community members and stakeholders to ensure that the discussions are inclusive and that all participants feel comfortable sharing their perspectives.
• Assist with logistical arrangements for conducting FGDs and KIIs in the community, if needed.
• Provide feedback on preliminary findings from a community perspective to ensure accuracy and cultural relevance.

Deliverables and timing

The Community Facilitators will be responsible for the following deliverables:

• Co-facilitate up to five Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with community leaders and beneficiaries.
• Provide accurate and sensitive interpretation from local dialects/languages to Bangla and English during FGDs and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), ensuring all participants' voices are heard and understood.

Period of Performance

Level of Effort (LOE) is up to 10 days from on or about April 21, 2024, to September 28, 2024. Travel: Some travel within the respective communities of Chittagong Hills Tract may be required.

Position Requirements

Qualifications

Academic Qualifications

• High school degree is preferable.

Experience and Skills

• Must be a resident of Chittagong or Cox's Bazaar with strong community ties.
• Must be fluent in local dialects/languages specific to Chittagong and Cox's Bazaar, as well as Bangla and English.
• Previous experience in facilitation, community engagement, or translation/interpretation is highly desirable.
• Knowledgeable about local customs, traditions, and social dynamics.
• Familiarity with the ER4/DRR interventions and objectives of USAID/Bangladesh is advantageous.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups.
• Demonstrated sensitivity and respect for cultural differences.
• Availability to travel within the Chittagong and Cox's Bazaar regions.

How to Apply

Please submit CV and complete the application.

EnCompass LLC is a progressive Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote, celebrate, and support a diverse and inclusive organizational culture and workforce. We are committed to providing all of our employees with an environment free from discrimination and harassment, where all are treated with dignity and respect. We do not tolerate, and explicitly prohibit, discrimination or harassment of any kind, at any time, in all aspects of employment. This includes recruitment, hiring, promotions, disciplinary measures, terminations, compensation, benefits, social and recreational programs, and training. EnCompass also does not tolerate retaliation against individuals who report discrimination or harassment. Our continuing commitment to the principle of Equal Opportunity Employment for all means all employment decisions are based only on the job requirements, the candidate’s qualifications, and the needs of EnCompass as a business—not on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, belief, sex (including pregnancy and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability status, veteran status, genetic information, HIV status, family/marital/parental status, or any other status protected by the laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where we work.